Football games are so often won in the middle of the ground, but especially so when you're up against the might of Geelong's on-ball brigade.
It takes a unified effort to take on a midfield group that boasts 20 All Australians, 12 best and fairest awards and three Brownlow Medals.
The Hawks' key quartet of Liam Shiels, Jaeger O'Meara, James Worpel and Daniel Howe combined for 103 disposals and 20 tackles, pivotal in nullifying the strength of the Cats midfield.
Tim Kelly (19 disposals) and Joel Selwood (18) were largely ineffectual throughout the game as the Hawks outhunted their opposition, highlighted by their rare win in the contested possession category.
The Hawks simply looked more willing for the contest than the Cats while also thrilling on the outside, with Chad Wingard leading the way for the side with a team-high six inside 50s.
